The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe showcases how Jeep’s flagship SUV embraces plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology without abandoning its heritage. In this Munro review, we examine how this fifth-generation Grand Cherokee is the first to feature an electrified powertrain, offering a blend of efficiency, torque, and capability that targets buyers seeking a transitional step between gasoline and fully electric vehicles.
From Tradition to Transition — Jeep’s First Electrified Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee has been a Jeep staple since its 1992 debut, when it famously smashed through the glass at Detroit’s Cobo Center. Over five generations, it has evolved from a rugged, mid-size SUV to a premium, technology-rich flagship. Now, with the 4xe variant, Jeep adds electrification to a lineup still offering the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L Hemi V8.
The 4xe’s 2.0L turbocharged inline-four pairs with electric motors to produce 375 horsepower — more than either the V6 (293 hp) or V8 (357 hp). It delivers 470 lb-ft of torque, enhancing both on-road acceleration and off-road low-speed control.
Distinctive PHEV Design Elements
From the outside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe retains its familiar profile but incorporates subtle visual cues to signal its electrified nature. Blue accents highlight the tow hooks, hood badge, and fender emblems. A charge port is integrated into the front driver’s side fender, while the traditional fuel filler remains to support hybrid operation.
The tested Overland trim showcases premium touches, including a “floating roof” achieved through black-painted pillars and roof panels contrasted with the main body color. This detail requires a masking and two-stage paint process, adding complexity and cost to production.
Adjustable Air Suspension — On-Road Comfort, Off-Road Capability
Like premium EV competitors such as Rivian’s R1T and R1S, the 4xe offers a five-level adjustable air suspension. Ground clearance ranges from easy-entry height to 11.3 inches in “Off-Road 2” mode. This adjustability improves efficiency on the highway and provides better approach and departure angles on the trail.
Safety Through Thermal Imaging
A grille-mounted infrared camera enhances nighttime driving safety by detecting pedestrians and animals up to 219 yards away. Using heat signatures, the system displays alerts in the instrument cluster. This technology offers a clear benefit for drivers in rural or wooded areas where wildlife collisions are common.
Inside the Cabin — Premium Comfort Meets Modern Tech
The Overland trim’s interior is filled with leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and a tech-forward layout. A notable feature is the passenger-side interactive display, which allows the co-pilot to manage navigation and media without distracting the driver. Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, wireless charging, and ample USB ports round out the interior’s functionality.
Under the Hood — Integrating PHEV Hardware Into an ICE Platform
The 4xe’s architecture illustrates the engineering challenges of adding a hybrid system to a chassis designed for internal combustion. Key components include:
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Belt Starter Generator (BSG): Mounted to the accessory drive, replacing both the starter and alternator while providing torque assist and regenerative charging.
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Transmission-Integrated Electric Motor: Located where a torque converter would typically be, enabling hybrid and EV-only operation.
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17 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery: Saddle-shaped to clear the driveshaft and exhaust system, operating at 400 volts.
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Power Inverter Module: Converts DC battery output to AC for the electric motors.
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Integrated Dual Charging Module (IDCM): Combines the onboard charger and DC-DC converter into a single unit.
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High-Voltage Electronic Air Compressor (EAC) and Heater: Handle both cabin and battery thermal management.
Orange high-voltage cables connect these systems in a densely packaged bay — a testament to efficient space use, but also a reminder of the complexity involved.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
The Grand Cherokee 4xe delivers up to 25 miles of all-electric range, ideal for many daily commutes. Charging takes about two hours on Level 2 equipment, while Level 1 charging can be managed overnight. Total range with both the gas and electric systems is approximately 470 miles, with an EPA rating of 57 MPGe.
Lean Design Considerations — More Parts, More Complexity
From a lean manufacturing perspective, a PHEV doubles up on major systems. The 4xe retains its full ICE driveline — engine, transmission, exhaust — alongside a complete electric drive system. This increases parts count, cost, and potential maintenance needs.
A dedicated BEV Grand Cherokee would eliminate the ICE components entirely, freeing space for more battery capacity and simplifying the design. On a 0–10 scale, where 0 is pure ICE and 10 is a BEV, the 4xe sits at about 3.5–4.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the 4xe offers greater power, towing capacity (up to 6,000 lbs), and genuine off-road hardware. However, the RAV4 Prime beats it in electric range (42 miles vs. 25), and both competitors offer more affordable starting prices. Jeep’s advantage lies in luxury features, ground clearance, and trail-rated performance.
Practical Ownership Scenarios
For drivers with commutes under 25 miles, the 4xe can serve as a weekday EV, recharging at home or work. The gasoline engine extends range for weekend trips or towing, reducing range anxiety while cutting fuel consumption for short drives.
Limitations — Two Rows Only for Now
Currently, the 4xe is only available in the two-row Grand Cherokee. The three-row Grand Cherokee L’s extended wheelbase complicates battery and component packaging, though future redesigns could resolve this.
Final Verdict — A Bridge to Jeep’s Electric Future
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe proves that electrification can enhance capability without abandoning brand identity. It’s powerful, refined, and capable, with just enough EV range to make a meaningful impact on daily fuel use. The trade-off is complexity — two drivetrains in one chassis mean more parts and potential service points.
For buyers seeking a premium SUV with genuine off-road ability and an electrified edge, the 4xe delivers a compelling balance. As Jeep moves toward dedicated EV platforms, the lessons learned here will shape the next generation of zero-emission models.
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